Pay Less at the Vet

Sure, your pet deserves the best, but you can still save on your bill. Here's how.

Gord Horne

Nov 1, 2005

1. ASK ABOUT NEW VACCINESSome states and counties have begun to allow rabies vaccines every three years instead of every year. You'll probably pay about $16 for the three-year shot, compared with $13 for the annual variety. And some booster shots are now given every three to five years instead of once a year. So ask your veterinarian if your pet is eligible for any of these long-term shots.

2. GET A SECOND OPINIONAdvances in medical imaging and in surgery mean an increase in treatment options for animal illnesses. But are these breakthrough procedures really necessary for your pet? Always seek a second opinion before you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars.

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3. TRY A PET CLINICHumane societies and vet schools often provide quality routine services for less than what private practitioners might charge. And your local department of health may sponsor rabies shots for as little as $5 to $10. Check out vets4mypets.com to find a list of local clinics.

4. GO FOR A MULTIPLE-PET RATERound up all your animals — the cat, the dog, the guinea pig — for a yearly checkup on the same day. Many vets will charge you for only one office visit.

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5. SAVE A STRAYLots of animal adoption centers offer free vaccinations and neutering or spaying when you rescue an abandoned or homeless animal. Just be sure to keep careful records in case you need a vet in private practice.

6. SHOP AT DISCOUNTERSDon't buy food, drugs, or other pet-care products directly from the vet. The markup can be as much as 200 percent. Instead, check out pet discounters such as Petland and Petco, where you can buy food in bulk, beating even grocery store prices.

7. KEEP VET VISITS TO A MINIMUM
Pet stores often sponsor "vet days," when you can get answers to basic animal health and behavior questions. Local pet-related radio programs organize similar events and provide routine information on topics like how to clip a cat's nails.